Man arrested for attacking 68-year-old victim, setting his DC apartment on fire

WASHINGTON - A suspect has been arrested for attacking an elderly man and then setting his Southeast D.C. apartment on fire last month.

Back on Dec. 4, 68-year-old William Wright was taken to the hospital after suffering life-threatening injuries caused from smoke inhalation following an apartment fire on 3rd Street. More than one month later, 46-year-old Shawn Parker has been charged with assault with intent to kill in this case.

D.C. police say Parker beat and tied up Wright and then set fire to Wright's apartment on 3rd Street.

Wright survived the ordeal and is recovering at home after being released from the hospital on Christmas Eve, his family said.

"He's doing actually better," said Kalia Hilton, Wright's daughter. "He's talking. He's communicating. He has a little more things he got work on, but he's fine. He's able to acknowledge his kids. He's able to talk to us on the phone every day and communicate and find out how we're about. We still get the 'I love you' so that is not over yet."

Parker is the ex-boyfriend of one of Wright's daughters and his family believes he was after money.

His family is relieved Parker is behind bars.

"I'm by far so happy and excited that they were able to find someone in regard to my dad's case," said Hilton. "So to [Metropolitan Police Department] and everyone else who was on the case, I truly appreciate you guys for doing beyond your job to make sure he was captured."

Parker is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.

A GoFundMe has been created for Wright to raise funds for his medical expenses. Click here for more information.